Do you have a flat or low slope roof you would like to cook out on? People used to build wood decks on top of built-up roofs, E.P.D.M. (rubber) roofs, TPO membrane roofs, modified bitumen roofs, and even shingle roofs. These methods do work but are expensive and are difficult to deal with in cases where leaks pop up after installation.
To find and repair a leak, one must remove parts of the wood deck. This takes time and money. Also, puddles, moisture, and ponding water under the deck on top of the roof can cause fungus and vegetation growth which can damage the roof and deck. Never trap moisture!
An alternative to this old method is to install a walkable vinyl membrane roof system. The brand I recommend and have used for many years is Dec-k-ing. It serves as a waterproofing system, a roof, and a roof top patio. It is designed to handle regular abuse of people and pet traffic, furniture, grills, etc. It looks good too – coming in a variety of colors with a slip resistant textured surface.
Because of hot air welded seams, I have never seen one leak. If a vinyl membrane roof is damaged or cut, it is easy to repair by installing a patch which blends in pretty nicely for aesthetics. It can be installed on plywood or concrete smooth surfaces. This Dec-k-ing traffic roof membrane system should last 20 years. After that, a new membrane can be fully adhered right on top of it – no new disposal of old roofing will be necessary.
Make sure you hire a qualified roofer to install it. The technicians must be very skilled and able to not only put on a roof, but to install a vinyl floor as well. It must go down on a properly prepared surface so that characteristics of the substrate don’t telegraph through it, giving it a rough appearance. Substrate must have a slope to run water off. A one in twelve inch fall is fine. It comes in 40 and 60 mil thicknesses and is considered a fully adhered single – ply membrane roof system.
Visit globaldecking.com for more info.
I like this stuff. I really do.
Robert Andrews II, President/Andrews Roofing robert@andrewsroofing.com